Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

Thc monthly meeting of the Committee of this Institution was held on Wednesday last , at Freemasons' Hall . Col . Creation , Grand Treasurer , in thc chair . There were also present Bros . W . Hall , J . A . Farnfield , Richard Herve Giraud , S . Rawson , 1 . H . Leggott , G . Bolton ,

Raynham W . Stewart , James Kench , A . H . Tattershall , Henry G . Warren , William Clarke , John G . Stevens , Jas . Brett , John L . Mather , J . Newton , William Stevens , Thos . Cubitt , 1 . March Case , John Constable , Chas F . Hogard , C . H . Webb , Wm . Hilton , W . F . Ncttlcsliip , A . J . Tjuff Filer , Louis Stean , Thos . Goode , and James Terry ( Secretary ) .

The Secretary reported thc death of one male annuitant . The Warden ' s report for the last month was read , and the report of the Finance Committee was also read , and ordered to be received and entered on the minutes . I'hc Chairman was authorised to sign cheques for thc male and female annuitants , & c , for the eusuing quarter . Thc draft report for the annual meeting to bc submitted

next Friday , was approved and adopted . Bro . 'Terry , read letters of Grand Secretary . as to proposed new offices , and the consideration of thc subject thereof was deferred for further information . The application by Mrs . Grant for half her late husband ' s annuity was granted . Bro . H . G . " \ Varren withdrew his notice of motion , and thc Committee then adjourned .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of East Lancashire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF EAST LANCASHIRE .

Thc Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire , Colonel Le Gendre N . Starkie , R . W . Prov . Grand Master , was held in the Oucen-strect Schools , Oldham , on Wednesday , the 5 th inst ., under the banner of thc Lodge of 'Tudor . The following brethren were present : Bros . Col . Lc

Gendre Nicholas Starkie , M . W . P . G . M . ; Geo . Mellor , D . P . G . M . ; R . II . Hardman , P . G . S . W . ; George Higgins , P . G . J . W . ; Re-v . Henry Cottam , P . G . Asst . Chap . ; Benj . Taylor , P . G . 'Treas . ; John Chadwick , P . G . Sec . ; Edwin Brooks , P . G . S . D . ; J * F . Iloffgaard , P . G . J . D . ; Samuel Crowther , P . G . S . of W . ; Denis Towers , P . O . Dir . of Cer . ; Henry Hcys , P . G . Asst . Dir . of Cer . ; Robert Caldwell

P . G . Swd . Br . ; Henry T . Rohberds , P . G . Org . ; Julius Arcnsberg , P . G . Purs . ; Edwin Radcliffe , P . G . Asst . Purs . ; E . Ashworth , jun ., John Gibb Smith , W . A . Walker , G . A . Packwood , S . Sykes , Joseph Lowe , P . G . Stewards ; Thos . Mitchell , P . G . Tvlcr ; Edward Higgle , P . G . Std . Br . ; S . D . Lees . M . D . / P . M . 300 , P . P . G ' . Treas . ; Clement C . R . Beswickc Royds , P . P . G . S . W . ; J . H . Sillitoe , P . P .

G . D . ofC , P . M . 317 ; T . ] . Hooper , P . M . 1 C 133 , P . P . G . Treas . ; C . Hargreaves , P . P . G . Org ., P . M . 2 K , 28 * -. ; Robt . Whittaker , P . M . 350 and 678 , P . P . G . D . of C-, W . H , Hopkins , P . M . < i 33 . P . P . G . D . of C . ; James Holmes , P . M 6 4 , 268 , P . P . G . ) . I ) . ; W . II . Cunliffe , P . M . . c « P . P . G . Purs . ; Jno . Halliwe-ll , P . M . 64 , 1012 , P . P . G . S . B . ; Rev . S . G . B . ' Bradshaw , P . M . 1009 , P . P . G . Chap . ; Geo .

Lofthouse , P . M . -, 69 and 401 , P . P . G . A . D . of C . ; C . M . Jones , P . M . 54 , P . P . G . D . of C . ; Wcstrav Bcnn , P . M . 3 S 6 , P . P . G . A . Purs . ; W . D . Walker , P . M . 64 , 1012 , P . P . G . J . W . ; Thos . Chorlton , P . M . 132 , P . P . G . Reg . ; Edw . " Hartley , P . M . 219 , P . P . G . Sup . Wks . ; Henry Greenwood , P . M . 34 S , P . P . G . Purs . ; Jas . W . Kenyon , P . M . 42 , P . P . G . S . W . ; Samuel Statham , P . M . 177-1 , 1009 , P . P . G . 'Treas . ;

James Arthur Birch . P . M . 1170 , P . P . G . J . W . ; R . C . J . buckworth , P . M . 345 , P . P . G . A . Purs .-, ' ] . ! .. Hine . P . "M . 6 5 , vi , P . P . G . S . W . ; C . F . Twccdale , P . M . 277 , P . P . G . Reg . ; * Wm . Blackburn , P . M . -577 , P . P . S . G . D . W . Yorks . ; Samuel Cheetham , P . M . 64 , P . P . G . 'Treas . ; W . S . Allp . iss , P . M . 155 , GSo , 1570 , P . G . Sec . W . L . : George Parker Brockbank , P . M . 37 , 221 , 172-,, 64 , P . P . G . S . D . ; ' 1 . Barker .

P . M . 11 * 54 , 134 * 1 . IM' . O . Treas . ; James Hall , " P . M . 210 , P . P . G . T . ; R . II . Hutchinson , P . M * 6 4 , -14- ** , P . P . G . S . W . ; Thos . Elliott , P . M . 1147 ; S . Knelt , 467 ; H . Yield , 4 G 7 ; E . J . Cummings , W . M . 4 G 7 ; J . Crompton Lees , P . M . 277 ; Charles Bradley , 4 6 7 ; James D . Kershaw , 1011 ; William Smith , P . M . 361 : ' Joseph Berry , I . G . 337 ; Robt . Hunter , P . M . 10 SS ; I lar ' rison Veevers ,

1723 ; Abraham Clegg , W . M . 277 ; Daniel Bucklev , 277 ; William Bagnall , S . W . 204 ; Wm . Brown , J . D . 1 G 33 ; John Broadbent , J . D . 337 ; G . T . Mullock , W . M . 204 ; Samuel I Iorrocks , 467 ; John Booth , 4 G 7 ; Orlando Startup , P . M . 934 ; !• Harrison , S . D . 277 ; H . Thomas , P . M . 277 ; W . Parkinson , S . W . 44 ; Geo . C . Williams , S . W . 132 : Samuel Marsden , P . M . 344 ; William

Templer , S . W . 344 ; Ambrose J . Haworth , ion ; James Blacka , P . M . 22 G and 219 ; D . C . Moore , W . M . iGSS ; Alfred L . Straus , J . D . 16 SS ; Geo . W . Wilson , W . M . 1009 ; John Greenwood , P . M . 22 G ; Edward Wovener , 288 ; W . Nil-Iii- !] , S . W . 317 ; James Newton , P . M . 37 ; James IIadfield , P . M . 1129 : James Holt , P . M . 3 63 ; J . ¦ Cockcroft , W . M . 226 ; Chas . Claher , 467 ; John l ' l .

Shorrock , W . M . 1 81 ; Ral ph Landless , P . P . G . S . B . W . I .., 12 G ; H . L . Hollingworth , P . M . 227 ; W . II . Charlesworth , J . W . 300 ; William Pinder , M . M . 4 G 2 : 'Thomas Shutt , M . M . 4 G 2 ; J . W . Watts , P . M . S 32 ; W . Parkes , S 52 ; I * . Lever , 1219 ; Joseph Hardy , W . M . S 52 ; Wm . Riddel ) , P . M . S 52 ; Joseph Young , ' Sec . S 52 ; Geo . W . Bingham , S . D . S 52 ; Daniel Dempscy , Sec . 121 S ; J .

Corbitt , J . W . S 54 ; Buckley Buckley , J . D . 1122 ; R . Mallett , I . P . M . irol Louis Jackson . S 54 ; ' John Watson , S 54 ; W . H . Erkersl .-y , S . ' W . 4 6 7 ; Thos . Wilkinson , 4 G 7 ; B . Halliwell , 141 / 1 ; S . . Mason , 141 / 1 ; J . W . Hul-Icy , 1322 ; James Polti-r , 4 G 7 ; John Ingham , 4 G 7 ; J . Metcalf , P . M . 1392 ; Thos . Shaw , P . M . 1302 : Charles Beswick , Tyler 5 S 1 ; James 'Taylor , S . W . 1458 ;

John Greenup , W . M . 5 Si ; John 'Taylor , P . M . 274 : Joseph Clapton , P . M . 277 ; John Parker , " P . M . 913 ; Rev James I ' * ,. Roberts , W . M . 1218 ; Joseph Brierley , 277 : John I ' elton , Secretary 354 : Edward T . Fletcher , " I . P . M ] 1129 ; Samuc-1 I .. Moyle , S . I ) , IIJO ; William Davis , 54 ; George II . Cade , 1120 ; Abraham Rowcliffe , 54 ; 'Thomas Collins , 4 'i 7 ; T ! IIIIII : K Palmer , 467 ; James Kolrovd ,

P . P . G . S . B ., P . M . 2 *| S ; I high "A . George Bayley , P . M . f ' . * , 3 and Si *;; Samuel I lent hide , P . M . , S *; 2 ; ' James Corney , J . W . S 52 ; John William Booth , W . M . 2 S 2 ; J . J . Meakin . W . M . u ( : ; Edward Hilton . Secretary 992 ; James Dniilc-v , W . M . 14 G ; Henry Darbyshire , I ' . M . 581 ; A . Meadowcroft , J . W . 1077 : \ V . Nicholson , P . M ., Secretary 1723 ; John Holt , W . M . 213 ; James Bottomley , 497 ; James ' Brierley , 149 G ; Peter Lawton ,

Provincial Grand Lodge Of East Lancashire.

S . W . 7 S ; J . S . Tctlow , 7 S ; Edward Williams , P . M . 1147 ; Edmund Sowcrbutts , P . M . 3 66 ; Charles Davis , P . M . 54 ; William Walker , S 54 ; J . W . Chadderton , S 54 : Joshua Milne , S 54 ; George Chadderton , S * J 4 ; S . Holt , S . W . 128 ; J . Crossley , " 854 ; E . W . Guttam , 191 ; Ishmael Davis , P . M . 1147 ; Arthur Middleton , W . M . 645 ; Henry Coupe , W . M . 274 ; Daniel Hargreaves , S . W . 2 SG : J . D Bamford , S 54 ; William Wadsworth , S * u

William Clark , P . M . 152 ; James Andrew , J . W . 26 S ; Robert Leech , W . M . 1219 ; R . Ashworth , P . M . 2 SG ; George Johnson , 149 6 ; John Collinge , P . M . 467 ; Harry L . Roberts , 1774 ; Walter Newton , P . M . 2 S 6 and 1322 ; Thomas Walker , J . W . 5 S 1 ; Godfrey Higham , W . M . 10 S 3 ; R . Collinge , P . M . 54 ; James Renshaw , 300 ; John Sinkinson , 4 67 ; ' Hudson Lister , P . M . ion ; William Dumville , P . M . ion ; J . L . Vaughan , P . M . 1030 ; G . L .

Vaughan , J . W . 1030 ; J . W . Abbott , P . M . 1459 and 1030 ; Thomas Wood , J . W . 467 ; James Newton , J . W . 1011 ; F . H . Newton , S . W . 1439 ; Alfred E . Ferns , S . W . 1030 ; Thomas Tyers , P . M . t ; Si ; J . Lees , W . M . 1773 ; J . Harrop , P . M . 1773 ; William Cook , S . W . 1170 ; Wm . Eastwood , W . M . S 16 ; Clement Barker , P . M . 4 G 7 ; W . Whewell , P . M . 3 G 9 , P . P . G . S . B . ; H . Turner , P . M . 1120 , P . P . S . G . D . ; J . W . Tanner , 337 ; C . Shaw , I . P . M . 337 ; H .

Walker , P . M . 337 ; Henry Walley , P . M . 163 ; Alfred Heald , S . W . 163 ; George H . Ormerod , S . W . 1011 ; Thos . Hindle , P . M . 1145 ; Richard Rushton , S . W . 1145 : Christopher Furness , J . W . 114 * 5 ; Elias Nathan , W . M . 179 S ; Rev . H . D . Marks , S . D . 179 S ; E . Wise , 179 S ; R . Dickinson , 149 6 ; J . M . Barlow , P . M . 1775 and 1145 ; J . E . Cliff , W . M . 1498 ; William Priest , W . M . 1775 ; Alfred Turner , P . M . 1055 T T . R . Williams , P . M . 1147 ; Thos . Robert

Peel , P . M . 1147 ; John Taylor , W . M . 1147 ; Richard Barlow , Secretary 1147 ; T . F . Collier , S . W . 1775 ; W . Corbitt , P . M . 1052 and 854 ; Joseph Hall , S 54 ; Samuel L . Buckley , W . M . 26 9 ; John Ollercnshaw , 62 s ; Robert O . McKcrrick , W . M . 350 ; Samuel Shorrocks . W . M . 12 S ; J . W . Crossley , P . M . 1392 ; Wm . Mallalicu , 337 ; Joseph Braddock , P . M . 277 ; Joseph Wild , P . M . 277 ; R . Johnson , P . M . 277 ; James Clegg , 4 G 7 ; Ralph Slater , 467 ;

Henry Palmer , 4 G 7 ; Wm . Turner , 4 G 7 ; Samuel Davies , 4 G 7 ; George Whiteley , P . M . 288 ; Mitchell Hclliwcll , P . M . 288 ; Thomas Schofield , P . M . 288 ; Joseph Sutcliffe , W . M . 288 ; Henry Heap , 300 ; James Heywood , 467 ; John Taylor Austerberg , P . M . ' 467 ; Joseph B . Palmer , 4 6 7 ; W . Edwards , P . M . 4 6 7 ; Thomas Hoare Tanner , 337 ; William Hulton , 300 ; Edwin Daniel , 300 ; John C . Atkins ; G . Yates , Secretary 1633 ; William

Byway , S . S . 1 G 33 ; Bcddoes Peacock , 1633 ; Lee Speakman , Hon . Secretary 5 S 1 ; Jas . Andrews , P . M . 1219 ; James H . Halliwell , 467 ; Henry Arnold , W . M . 1077 ; Herbert Andrew , I . G . 4 6 7 ; Ellis Jones , P . M . 1147 ; Thomas Gibson , P . M . 1147 ; Frederick Tomlinson , P . M . 325 ; Thomas Goodier , 325 ; Mark Cooper , 1775 ; J . R . Sowter , S . W . S 15 ; J . Andrews , P . M . 1213 , 26 S ; S . Lord , 26 G ; W . Bagshaw , 277 , -144 ; [ . Dronsfield ,

4 G 7 ; R . Riglcy , 2 G 6 ; C . Wren , 3 G 7 ; J . II . Roberts , S . D . 1322 ; T . Livesey , 3 G 7 ; H . Lees , junior , 4 G 7 ; S . Warburton , W . M . 1052 ; S . Davies , P . M . 1 & 52 ; W . Parker , I . P . M . 993 ; 1-:. Simpson , P . M . 93 . 1 ; "W . Oilier , Sec . 033 ; T . R . Shaw , Treas . ij-, s ; J . Buckley , P . M . 121 S ; W . Brierley , W . M . 344 ; J . E . Piatt , I . G . 277 ; J . Bowden , S . D . 4 G 7 ; G . J . Coleman , W . M . 46 7 ; H . Stead , W . M . 221 ; W . F , Wild , P . M . 300 ; J . Edgar , 4 6 7 ; C . Smethurst , 467 ; J ,

Pickford , G 7 S ; J . Bcsford , W . M . S 54 ; J . H . Chapman , J . W . 678 ; W / Potts , D . ofC . 4 G 7 ; G . ' Newton , S 55 ; J . * MeIlor , 467 , 300 ; J . Heelis , S . W . 62 ,- IT . Bolton , S 54 ; W . Jowett , W . M . 62 ; J . McLaren , J . W . 62 ; J . Peck , P . M . 300 ; II . J . Cutter , W . M . 44 ; D . Clark , S . W . 300 ; S . B . Priestley , W . M . 22 G ; F . A . Huet , S . W . 1009 ; E . Swinglehurst , 10 S 0 ; E . Sleigh , 210 ; J . Varley , P . M . 350 ; j . Bradbury , 337 : M . Vickers , " W . M . 317 ; and R . R .

Lisenden , 317 ( Freemason ) . 'The satisfactory anel complete arrangement . *; made by the brethren of 'Tudor ancl Friendship Lodges ( Oldham ) for the reception of the numerous visitors were commendable . At half-past twelve o ' clock the Craft lodge was opened by Bin . G . A . Coleman ( W . M . Tudor ) , assisted by Bro . W . H . I- ' ckcrsley , Senior Warden , and Bro . C . W . Rye , Junior Warden . 'The Craft lodge having been opened in the " 'Third

Degree , Bra . John Taylor Austcrbcrry , P . M ., presented to the Worshipful Master of the Tudor Lodge a beautifully embroidered banner , bearing thereon the inscription " Tudor Lodge , 4 G 7 , " and having Masonic emblems and the device of two roses—red and white—those of the Royal Houses of York ancl Lancaster , embroidered thereon . The banner was complete with pole and suspenders . In making the presentation , Bro . AUSTERBERRY said he

gave it to the I udor Lodge as a mark of his respect and high esteem , and he could assure thc brethren " that if they never disgraced the banner , it would not disgrace them . " 'The gift was suitably acknowledged hy Bro . Co I . KM AX , W . M ., who . in thanking the donor , said that his brother might rely that care would be taken of his honoured gift . 'The Prov . Grand Lodge was then admitted , and the R . W . Prov . G . M . and the Prov . Grand Officers having taken their respective positions , the Prov . Grand Lodge

was opened in due form . The roll of lodges was called over , and all the lodges were noted clown present with the exception of thc Borough Lodge , Burnley . 'The minutes of the Prov . Grand Lodge , held iSth July , were taken as read . Bro . Ellis [ ones , P . M ., was unanimously appointed Prov . Grand Treasurer for the ensuing year , after which thc Prov . G . M . proceeded to invest him with the insignia of his office .

'The following brethren were then appointed Provincial G . Officers , and duly received thc investiture thereof : — Bro . | . C . Lees ( Friendship Lodge ) ... Prov . S . G . W . „ I . Collinge ( Tudor Lodge ) Prov . J . G . W . ,, II . Cottam and Bro . J . E . Roberts Prov . " O . Chaps . ,, J . Chadwick pmv . G . Sec . „ 1 . I .. Page ( 'Tudor Lodge ) Prov . G . S . of W . ,, ) . Rawi-liffc Pmv . G . Swd . B .

„ J . Blackie Prov . G . Std . B . „ E . Ratcliffe Prov . G . Purst . ,, E . Higgle Prov . G . A . P . „ J . L . Vaughan Prov . G . Reg . „ J . Newton Prov . G . S . D . „ J . Hadfield Prov . G . J . D .

,, II . Haves Prov . G . D . C . „ G . A . Packman Prov . G . A . D . C . „ J . Varley Prov . G . Org . Bros . E . Ashworth , jun ., W . O . Walker ,,. G . A . Coleman ( Tudor Lodge ) , J . / ., r * e . 1 Brearley ( Friendshi p Lodge ) , and ( ' ''uv * 0- twd ** i * W . Potts ( Tudor Lodge ) ... )

Provincial Grand Lodge Of East Lancashire.

The R . VV . P . G . M . then addressed the brethren on their exalted position in the province , and said that though there was a small falling off this year , there was no cause for regret . All ranks of people had felt the effects of the bad times through which we had passed , and Freemasonry had also been affected , but only slightly . The number of subscribing members in 1879 was 4391 as against 4162 in in 1 S 7 S , showing an increase in theirnumbers . Thereturns

of subscribing members at the present time was , however , considerably less . Remembering the bad times we had recently had amongst all grades of society trade must fluctuate , and we must naturally expect Freemasonry would fluctuate in a like manner . The diminution that had taken place this year he regretted , but he did not doubt that with improved times an increase would again be seen . He then referred to the duties of Freemasons , and

impressed upon Masters to be careful whom they receive in the body , and that the brethren could not exercise too great caution in the selection of those candidates who aspired to become Freemasons . Freemasonry was a great and glorious institution , and therefore he reiterated they could not possibly be too careful as to those who sought entrance among them . He had no fear that FYeemasonry would suffer in East Lancashire . The reports lie had received all

spoke of the general well-being of the lodges , and there was no reason wh y it should not be so . One recommendation which he wished to give them was to study and practise the first principles of their Order , and if they shaped their daily conduct in accordance therewith they would bc gainers . The appointment of Auditors of the Prov . G . Treasurer ' s accounts was then proceeded with , and resulted in the unanimous election of the following brethren ; Bros . Henry

Lees Hollingworth ( Friendship , Oldham ) , S . B . Priestly , and J . E . Lees . The report of the Committee appointed by the Prov . Grand Lodge , on 15 th of May , 1879 , to consider the question of the salary of the Prov . G . Secretary , was next discussed , and it was ultimately resolved , on thc motion of Bro . T . Hargreaves , that , £ 200 per annnm should be paid to Bro . John Chadwick for his services as Secretary to the Provincial Grand Lodge . The Grand

Lodge also resolved to provide offices in Manchester for Masonic business , and awarded a sufficient sum for that purpose . A long discussion ensued on a motion of which notice had been given on July iSth , 1879 , relative to the funds in the hands of the late Bro . John 'Tunnah , but the original minutes were confirmed . Bro . CHAKI . ES HEYWOOD , P . Prov . G . Registrar , moved "That the sum of £ 50 be contributed from the Provincial

Grand Lodge F ' und in aid of the East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational and Benevolent Institution . " The resolution was seconded in a speech of great power by Bro . HEYWOOD , who spoke of the great advantages of education . The motion was carried 11 cm . con ., after which the lodge was closed with prayer . The banquet was held in the assembly room of the Town Hall , and was attended by about 200 brethren . Colonel

Le Gendre N . Starkie , R . W . Prov . Grand Master , presided on thc removal of thc cloth . The vocalists engaged were thc following brethren .- —Bros . M . Stafford , P . M . 361 ; N . Dumville , P . M . 152 and 322 ; W . Dumville , P . M . ion ; Hudson Lister , P . M . ion ; and James Whittaker , M . M . 277 . Bro . Joseph Clafton , P . M . 277 , presided at the pianoforte . The R . W . P . G . M . proposed , in laudatory terms , "The Oueen , the Patron of our Order . " "National

Anthem . " He next proposed " H . R . H . thc Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " and , in doing so , said it gave him great cause of gratitude to be able to propose the health of such a noble member of their Order , who added resplendent lustre to it . He also alluded to the excellent manner in which H . R . H . had always exerted himself in the sacred cause of charity . In having such a distinguished brother the fraternity was greatly honoured .

1 be CHAIRMAN then invited the brethren to drink to " H . R . H . the Princess of Wales , and the rest of the Royal Family . " In prefacing the toast he said H . R . H . was the most illustrious princess this country had ever known . They had had in England the Rose of Lancaster and the Rose of York , which in her Most Gracious Majesty were so happily blended , but in H . R . H . they had thc Rose of Denmark , who by her graciousness and kindness had

won the hearts of F . nglishmen . The next toast on the list was that of " The R . W . Pro G . M ., the Earl of Carnarvon , coupled with the R . W . D . G . M . the Earl of Lathom , and Grand Oflicers of England Past and Present . " The CHAIRMAN * said that the illustrious names were those of true Masons , and in the elevation of one of them the Craft itself was honoured . Better or truer Masons did not exist than thc noblemen in question—one

the l- ' arl of Lathom , belonged to their own province , and they as Masons , and not in any other capacity , rejoiced in his elevation , which they fervently hoped he would long live to honour . ( Loud applause . ) Bro . G . MELLOR proposed "The R . W . P . G . M . of East Lancashire , " and did so in eulogistic terms . In replying , the CHAIRMAN * said that the terms Bro . Mellor had used were too flattering , and were more than

any service he had rendered to Freemasonry deserved to bc spoken of . He esteemed Freemasonry , which he regarded as one of the greatest and brightest institutions of the land . He was proud to preside over F . ast Lancashire Other provinces might exceed itin area , butnone surpassed it in the number of subscribing brethren . He liked to encourage a spirit of emulation—it was as needful in Freemasonry as in other positions of life . He was glad to

say that though they had passed through bad times , yet the amount of charity subscribed by East Lancashire was larger than that of any other province . When the Grand Loelge . received the invitation from the Oldham brethren he anticipated a hearty reception , but he confessed that the greeting shown them that day far exceeded his greatest expectations , and it would leave pleasant memories in his mind . He then urged upon the brethren the duty of

placing their home Charities on a greatly increased footing , so that they could maintain thc home Charities as efficiently as those in London , and he would tell them that if every brother in the province would contribute 3 s . a year , a sum would be raised sufficient to maintain a home in Lancashire for all their orphans . ( Applause . )

Bro . CHARLES HEYWOOD , P . Prov . G . Registrar , proposed "Tile W . D . P . G . M . of East Lancashire , Bro . G . Mellor , and the P . G . Officers , Present and Past . " Bro . GEORGE MELLOR thanked thc brethren for the compliment . He said that the officers had done their duty , and he had only done his in thc same . way that they had done theirs .